4 Google execs on trial in Italy

February 4, 2009 6:06:41 PM PST

MILAN --

Google Italy says four of its executives are being tried in Milan over a video uploaded onto the Italian site that showed a disabled youth being abused. The company said Wednesday that the four are facing trial on accusations that they failed to control the content of the video, which surfaced on Google's Italian video site in September 2006.

Google denies wrongdoing and said in a statement that the trial is "absolutely unjustified."

Google Italy said the opening hearing at a Milan courthouse Tuesday was devoted to technicalities. Proceedings were adjourned until Feb. 18.

The trial was sought by Vivi Down, an advocacy group for Down syndrome.